Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
About 1.2 million Grade 9 learners, who make up the second cohort under CBE, are expected to use the ministry's automated placement system to select their career pathways, subject combinations and preferred senior schools.
The order is contained in a report by the National Assembly Committee on Public Petitions following a petition filed by Rev Josiah Njiru, Chairman of the Association of Pentecostal Vocational and Training Institutions of Kenya.
The Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya (ESAK) says the country does not need another round of investigations but should instead concentrate on implementing the reforms recommended in earlier reports.
In a letter addressed to the school administration and the Nakuru County education office on Saturday, the parents called for the reopening process to be suspended until consultations involving all stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education, are held.
Speaking during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) Annual National Conference in Mombasa on Tuesday, Ololtua said parents must take a more active role in guiding and disciplining their children.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the commitment during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Thika School for the Visually Impaired and the commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day 2026.
School unrest has remained a recurring challenge in many institutions, with some schools reporting cases of arson, destruction of property and confrontations between students and school administrations.
The petition has been received by the National Assembly Education Committee, which says it falls within broader concerns about children’s rights and the ongoing debate over discipline and conduct in schools.
The Ministry of Education says it will shorten the second term starting next academic year to balance the school calendar. Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba cited concerns over learner pressure and unrest in some senior secondary schools.
The ministry attributed the unrest to several factors, including leadership challenges within schools, examination-related anxiety, poor conditions in boarding facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, demanding school routines, peer influence, and copycat behaviour
Under the changes, Bitok has been moved from the State Department for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education to the State Department for Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
Thirty-four county governments have signed intergovernmental agreements with the Ministry of Education to keep funding bursary and scholarship programmes. MPs in the National Assembly questioned the constitutional and legal framework and whether counties may spend public funds without direct legislation.